Pete Hegseth’s Narrowing Chances for Defense Post Now Turn on Ernst
- Republican senator said they had a ‘frank’ conversation
- Hegseth presses on despite talk DeSantis will take his place
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Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled choice for defense secretary, may have faced the toughest grilling he’s had on Capitol Hill so far when he met Wednesday with a fellow military veteran, Republican Senator Joni Ernst.
Even as reports indicate Trump may scrap Hegseth and nominate Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, the Iowa senator could be crucial in rescuing — or tanking — Hegseth’s prospects.